Do I need any special roof precautions before using a winter cover in the NE region.

[Mookie58]

I searched for this topic and didn't see anything that addressed what I'm looking for. I tossed a coin and it came up "go ahead and buy a winter cover" for our new TT. This will be our first year storing it for the winter. It will be outside, on the side of our garage on a gravel pad built for the camper.

The question: before I put the cover on for the winter, do I need to do anything special to protect roof features like the solar panels, AC unit, vent covers, Winegard antenna, etc. that will be subjected to the snow that will accumulate on the roof? I don't want to add anything to the roof that will retain moisture and impede any air flow that might happen, but I'm wondering if others have good tips on how to protect these roof items, and the cover, from wear from the snow. I will clear as much snow as I can when we get a good snowfall using a 10' stepladder and a long handle foam snow rake I use for my truck.

Any words of wisdom or hints others in the snow country have to share? Thanks!

 

[TitanMike]

If the TV antenna is one of the small, round, ones, some have recommended putting an inverted 5-gal pail over it.

Also, it's a good idea to clean roof before covering.

 

[Odyknuck]

Clean everything on the roof and install a vented and breathable cover on the TT.

 

[PhilFromMaine]

The biggest potential issue is how you put the cover on and take it off. Make sure it fits as it should so that it won't move with the Winter winds. I have seen people damage their roof devices, drain spouts, and other standing objects by even less than carelessly taking off the cover.

 

[Boomerweps]

Buy pool noodles on close out at the dollar store. Cut pieces to go over any sharp edges the cover may rub against. Slide some pieces to go over the roof drain spouts.
I used a cover for several years. My biggest regret with it was buying one without zippered door access.

 

[MGD1961]

Ive been using one from car covers.com for 3 years now. It has zippers on all for corners and 2 more on the entry side to access the door. It came with gutter spout covers but the pool noodles work better. They boast a life time warranty “no more than 2 replacements “ but I haven’t had to test them on their word

I don’t cover anything on the roof but will drag some snow off once in a while

I’m on the coast though and although we get snow often it’s usually not a lot. We will get a few inches and the storm will turn to rain every time. So not a lot of accumulation

 

[MGD1961]

The biggest potential issue is how you put the cover on and take it off. Make sure it fits as it should so that it won't move with the Winter winds. I have seen people damage their roof devices, drain spouts, and other standing objects by even less than carelessly taking off the cover.

Roll the cover sides in to the middle to the center line of the cover on the ground stretching out in front of the trailer

Have someone pass you the end and feed it to you as you pull it to the back.

Unroll the sides and let them drop to the ground

Zip the corners. Fasten the belly straps. And admire you job well done.

 

[Mookie58]

Thanks everyone for the tips sent so far. I'll definitely stock up on pool noodles to protect sharp edges. I'm thinking the frame of the solar panel is a good one to protect. The cover came with foam protective sleeves for the rain spouts, and also another cover for the top of the ladder. I'll keep thinking of any additional steps to protect what's on the roof before the cover goes on.